Yi-Han Takes a Holiday
Note from the Editor: One of the best things about science is that it is an international human endeavour and we’ve been very fortunate that Yi-Han traveled all the way from Taiwan to join the team. While the lab is a great place to be, sometimes we need a break. Yi-Han headed home and while there took an extra stop in Japan, resulting in these beautiful pictures that he shared at lab meeting.
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to visit Japan while taking advantage of a family trip to Taiwan. During my break, I explored the culturally rich city of Kyoto and the vibrant metropolis of Osaka.
Kyoto, renowned for its history, traditional culture, and religious architecture, was a highlight of my journey. On my first day, I visited Kiyomizu-dera, a temple built in 778 and one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks. Its wooden stage, constructed without nails using a traditional Japanese interlocking system, is a testament to ancient craftsmanship.
Another unforgettable spot in Kyoto was Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the deity of rice, prosperity, and business, the shrine is best known for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that form a pathway through the mountains. These gates mark the transition from the mundane world to the sacred realm. Before approaching the kami (deities), visitors purify themselves by washing their hands at the shrine's water basin, following a meaningful Shinto ritual.
Osaka, in contrast, embodies the energy of modern Japan and is a paradise for food lovers. During my visit, I explored Osaka Castle, a historic landmark located in the heart of the city and surrounded by a series of impressive moats. Originally designed to fend off invaders centuries ago, the moats now form a striking boundary between the castle and the surrounding skyscrapers, blending history with modernity. I also visited Namba Yasaka Jinja, a distinctive Shinto shrine famous for its massive lion-shaped stage. The lion's open mouth and fierce expression symbolize the power to swallow misfortune and evil spirits, bringing good fortune to those who visit.
Ed Note: The author is feeding some failed cloning attempts to the Misfortune Lion.
Of course, no trip to Japan is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. I had my first taste of wagyu beef BBQ, which was absolutely heavenly, and enjoyed some of the freshest sushi, including fatty tuna and sea urchin. The flavors were incredible and unforgettable! Overall, this trip was an amazing experience, but I can’t say it was restful—walking 30,000 steps a day under the blazing 35-degree heat might have been more exhausting than my lab work!
Ed Note: We are all jealous
